Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
That admission makes my heart ache. It’s tempting to lift my hand and massage the pain away. “I know. You’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever met, Callie. I really admire that about you.”
She blinks, and her jaw stays locked tight, as if she doesn’t know how to respond to the compliment.
As tempting as it is to tug her close and wrap her up in my arms, to soothe some of the hurt within her, I remain still. “Nora deserves a bed that’ll grow with her. You do too. So let me do this.”
Just when I think she’ll continue arguing or flat out refuse the gift, she jerks her head in a tight nod. “Fine. But just this once.”
Her surrender feels like a small victory.
Like I’m one step closer to her letting me into her life.
After signing the sales receipt, we load the oversized boxes into the bed of the truck and strap them down tight. Callie watches me the whole time with a slightly furrowed brow, like she sees something she doesn’t quite know how to handle.
Nora chatters all the way home as she stares out the window and smudges it with her fingers. I can’t help but smile. Even though Callie remains silent, her thoughts are loud.
I glance at her before returning my attention to the road stretched out in front of us. “Are you all right?”
She nods a little too quickly. “Yeah. Just tired.”
“I’m sorry you’ve had to do all this alone. Zane should have been a better partner.” I look at Nora in the rearview mirror, and everything inside me turns to mush. “A better father, at the very least.”
She swallows hard as her gaze finds mine. “Believe it or not, I don’t regret getting involved with him. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have Nora. And she’s my entire world. She’s the reason I get out of bed every morning and work as hard as I do. I wish Zane were more involved, but maybe it’s better he isn’t. The last thing I need is for Nora to get attached, only for him to flake when she’s old enough to understand and be hurt by his indifference.”
I don’t think about reaching out and wrapping my hand around hers.
I just do it.
From the way her eyes widen and she stills in her seat, she’s just as shocked by the unexpected offer of comfort as I am. It’s not a total surprise when she slips her fingers free before twisting them nervously in her lap.
Neither of us say a word for the rest of the ride. The silence isn’t uncomfortable, but it’s heavy. Thick with things we’re both avoiding. My grip stays steady on the wheel, my focus on the road ahead, even as every part of me is attuned to her. The way she shifts in her seat. The slow rhythm of her inhalations. The faint scent of her perfume as it weaves through the air.
I tell myself I need to be content with whatever she’s willing to give me.
But the truth is, I’m already past that point.
I want more.
More than she’s ready for.
More than she might ever be ready for.
And no matter how much I try to reel it in, I know there’s no going back.
15
Callie
I’m still thinking about the way River’s warm fingers were wrapped around mine as we pull up to the curb outside the townhouse. The moment he cuts the engine, I slip from the truck and open the door to get Nora. It’s only then I realize she’s fallen asleep.
River stops by my side, his gaze settling on her.
His expression turns tender. “How is it possible that she’s even more adorable when she’s asleep?”
I snort as a smile tugs at my lips. “No clue. But I do know she’s a total tornado when she’s awake, and she’s starting to outgrow her naps. I was hoping for at least another six months.”
He shifts slightly. “Should we wait until she wakes up, or do I try to lift her out now?”
“Let’s give it a shot. I’m sure you want to get the bed inside and set up. You’ve probably got plans for this evening.”
“Nope. None.” His eyes meet mine. “I’m all yours for as long as you want.”
I falter on a sharp inhale, searching my brain for a response.
But there’s nothing. I’m totally blank.
I force out a cough to steady myself. “You should probably get her.”
He gives me a lopsided smile before unlatching the harness and lifting it over Nora’s shoulders, trying to make room to maneuver. Nora shifts but doesn’t wake. At least, not yet. He carefully slips his hands under her arms and eases her from the seat. As soon as her limp body is free, he pulls her against his chest and holds her close so that her head is tucked beneath his chin.